An old cooper, or barrel maker, is given a large order for special barrels to be made before Christmas. The barrels are for a wine maker who wants them to be made with “winter white oak” wood.

Ordinarily this would not be a problem, but the rareness of the wood, coupled with a sudden and severe snow storm, forces the cooper to make a difficult choice: use his wood for barrels or burn his wood to keep himself warm.

Luckily, a quiet oak elf steps in, introducing the cooper to someone who can help.